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01st August 2021: Montréal After being appointed as ICAO Secretary General in February 2021 by the ICAO Council,Juan Carlos Salazar of Colombia officially assumed the office of ICAO Secretary General today, succeeding Dr. Fang Liu of China. He assumes this role as CEO of the UN’s specialized agency for civil aviation as the international flight network continues to assure the efficient global movement of food, vaccines, e-commerce, and other essential supplies and personnel, despite the air transport industry still being severely confronted by COVID-19, greatly diminished routes, and slowly rebounding international air travel and tourism. “It is a great honour to be assuming this role at this time, and to have the opportunity to help governments and ICAO play an important part in how this sector builds back better and recovers from the global pandemic,” Mr. Salazar commented. “We are still facing some tremendous challenges to the restoration of global air connectivity today, and with many regions and populations all over the world facing prolonged economic, social, and emotional hardship as a result.” Secretary General Salazar is a former Director General of Civil Aviation for Colombia, and speaks fluent Spanish, English, French, and basic Arabic. He has more than 26 years of experience in civil aviation, public policy, and the management of large and complex organizations, and plans to work closely with the ICAO Council to further strengthen the agency’s governance and ethical framework, to review the organizational structure of the Secretariat, to build a digital transformation programme, and to modernize the working methods of the Organization to keep pace with aviation innovation. He has also promised to further strengthen ICAO’s global presence through its Regional Offices and support for key regional priorities, and to assure that special efforts are undertaken through the Organization to support developing States that have suffered the most devastating impacts of the pandemic. The Organization will further support Member States in the implementation of CORSIA and other capacity building activities aiming at carbon offsetting and initiatives for reducing emissions from international civil aviation. “It’s important that ICAO remains a key partner for the countries of the world as they work with this agency to recover from the pandemic, to share their skies to their mutual benefit, and to continuously improve the global aviation standards and practices which keep those skies as safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable as the world expects. I will also work to innovate internally and improve the efficiency by which ICAO performs its important standard-setting role, and to assure that it continuously improves in helping governments, industry, and civil society advocates to effectively consult, coordinate, and achieve consensus together.” Juan Carlos Salazar was appointed ICAO Secretary General in February of this year by the ICAO Council, after its comprehensive assessment of a number of international candidates. “The ICAO Council is very pleased to welcome Mr. Salazar as he officially assumes his new role, and as Council President I look forward to working closely with him in helping to modernize ICAO and make it a more responsive and efficient agency at the service of its 193 Member States,” noted ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. The President also extended the Council’s sincere appreciation to the previous ICAO Secretary General, Dr. Fang Liu, recognizing her dedication and contributions to ICAO during her two terms as Secretary General.

The total value of the world’s top 50 most valuable airline brands has declined by a third, decreasing from US$108.6 billion in 2020 to US$72.9 billion in 2021. The airline sector is one of the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international travel at a near complete standstill since the beginning of 2020. With airlines forced to ground a significant amount of their fleets and cut flights down to worryingly low numbers, brands are grappling with depleting cash reserves and a dependence on government or state support. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has forecast that the industry will not make a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024. According to Brand Finance’s analysis, low-cost airlines are predicted to make a quicker recovery than their full-service counterparts. Both, however, will be relying upon the continued speedy and successful rollout of vaccinations globally, as well as the effective control of new variants emerging. Business travel is expected to stagnate, while leisure travel is likely to be the main driver behind recovery across the industry. Savio D’Souza, Valuation Director, Brand Finance: “As predicted, airline brands have had a turbulent ride since the outbreak of the pandemic, with brand values plummeting across the board. With recovery closely tied to vaccination rates, we will likely witness short-haul flights and airline carriers rebound quicker compared to long-haul. Airlines that successfully manage to fly through the economic storm of the pandemic and protect their brands, are likely to be more resilient and perform better as we return to normality.” No movement in top three American airline brands, Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines have retained the top three spots in the Brand Finance Airlines 50 2021 ranking. With all three brands exposed to the same business conditions throughout the pandemic in the US, their respective brand values have taken a similar hit, losing between 38% and 40%. Domestic travel in the US has already begun to steadily recover and over the summer months is expected to strengthen further, therefore brand values in the coming year should improve as a result. The sector’s most valuable brand, Delta (brand value US$5.8 billion) has ensured that employees and customers have remained the top priority throughout the pandemic and has been recognised as a leading brand for customer service, communications, and flexibility – the latter of which is vital in the uncertain COVID environment. Three new entrants There are three new entrants into the ranking this year: Saudia (brand value US$506 million) in 39th; Jetstar (brand value US$360 million) in 49th; and Avianca (brand value US$356 million) in 50th. Highest new entrant, Saudia, has weathered the COVID-induced storm by redirecting its resources to its strong domestic market. Saudi Arabia has recently revealed its vision for the kingdom to be a tourism and logistics hub with over 100 million tourists by 2030, increasing the number of destinations to 250 and doubling air cargo capacity. Saudia plans to significantly increase its fleet size to capture this growth in the market. This expected domestic growth and ambitions of the Vision 2030 make the Saudia brand as one to watch as it builds its international brand strength and value. Flag carriers build trust and reputation, but can they translate it to a commercial advantage? In addition to measuring overall brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Across the ranking, flag carriers on average receive both higher global and domestic Brand Strength Index (BSI) scores. In Brand Finance’s latest Global Brand Equity Monitor, flag carriers outperform non-flag carriers on two key metrics of recommendation by 16 points and reputation by 12 points. Flag carriers, in general, have benefitted from greater state support than their non-flag carrier counterparts. This has taken place in direct financial support, as well as through indirect support through furlough schemes, jobs, or tax deferrals. They have also kept flying during the pandemic on vital routes while lower-cost peers have been forced to shut routes. This has helped bolster trust and reputation of flag carrier brands. Aeroflot flies high as sector’s strongest According to Brand Finance’s Brand Strength Index, Aeroflot (down 38% to US$1.0 billion) is once again the world’s strongest airline brand, with a BSI score of 89.5 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA brand strength rating. Aeroflot has recently undertaken a shift in strategy towards becoming a more premium class travel option. As many other major airlines are being forced to make cuts in capital expenditure and suspend aircraft deliveries, Aeroflot is awaiting new generation aircrafts to gradually replace its older fleet. As one of the oldest airlines in the world, Russia’s national flag carrier has clearly demonstrated that despite reduced air travel it continues to have a strong presence in consumers’ mind, with its reputation improving from 84.0 to 90.0 out of 100 this year, according to Brand Finance’s Global Brand Equity Monitor. Savio D’Souza, Valuation Director, Brand Finance: “Once again, Aeroflot has been named the world’s strongest airline brand. The airline’s strong and vast heritage, paired with its constant strive to innovate and improve its strategy, stand it in good stead to put itself in a solid position in the global airlines market once international travel restrictions ease.” (AIRLINES 50 2021. The annual report on the most valuable and strongest airline brands shared by Brand Finance, the brand valuation consultancy based in London.Aviation World has published it on as shared basis.)

Ahmedabad, 13July 2021: Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has taken over the management control of Mumbai International Airport Limited(MIAL) from the GVK Group following the MIAL Board Meeting earlier today. This follows approvals received from the Government of India, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) of Maharashtra, and the Government of Maharashtra. MIAL is India’s second busiest airport by both passenger and cargo traffic. With eight airports in its management and development portfolio, AAHL is now India’s largest airport infrastructure company, accounting for 25%airport footfalls. With the addition of MIAL, AAHL will now also control 33% of India’s air cargo traffic. AAHL will begin the construction of the Navi Mumbai International Airport next month and complete the financial closure in the next 90 days. This new international airport will be commissioned in 2024. “Our larger objective is to reinvent airports as ecosystems that drive local economic development and act as the nuclei around which we can catalyse aviation-linked businesses. These include metropolitan developments that span entertainment facilities, e-commerce and logistics capabilities, aviation dependent industries,smart city developments, and other innovative business concepts,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “Our airport expansion strategy is intended to help converge our nation’s Tier 1 cities with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in a hub and spoke model. This is fundamental to enabling a greater equalization of India’s urban–rural divide, as well as making international travel seamless and smooth. I believe that the economic value that cities create will be maximized around airports and the cities of tomorrow will be built with the airport as the focal point. This is a fundamental lever for modern world development and the rapid build-out of our airport infrastructure will create multiple employment structures that generate thousands of new job opportunities.” At 12% CAGR, AAHL expects its share of passenger traffic to grow from 80 million in FY 20 to 100 million in FY22. With management control of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), AAHL is poised to join the league of the world’s leading airport operators that cater to 100 Mn+ passengers and 200 Mn non-fliers in a year, presenting a massive 300 Mn+ strong consumer platform.

July 10, 2021, Colombo: SriLankan Airlines the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the Oneworld alliance resumes flights to the Russian capital, Moscow. SriLankan’s new service will operate a weekly scheduled flight between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport (DME) from 30th July 2021. Accordingly, SriLankan would commence its flights to Russia every Friday using an Airbus A330 configured for 269 economy and 28 business class seats. The frequency of operation will be once a week, having a flight time of around 08 hours and 25 minutes. Flight UL533 will depart Colombo at 22:20 hrs., landing at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 04:30 hrs., with the return leg UL534 leaving Moscow at 19:15 hrs. the next day and landing back into Colombo at 06:05 hrs. on Sunday. SriLankan Airlines Chairman, Ashok Pathirage said, “The resumption of services connecting Colombo and Moscow is a link that will not only facilitate travel but will be the impetus for building closer bilateral business connections between the two countries. We believe flying back to Moscow would create a window of opportunity for both countries and travellers could experience the historic heritage of the people of Sri Lanka and Russia.” SriLankan Airlines flew to 20 countries and 37 destinations before the pandemic and has gradually rebuilt its network following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, with plans to increase the number progressively. “This is a significant air link for SriLankan Airlines as we connect to the largest country in the world which is also known as one of the greatest cultural and historic destinations. This operation would offer a new and easy travel path in connecting the Russian Federation and surrounding countries. We are eagerly awaiting to welcome Russian visitors in Sri Lanka and passengers onboard our flights to Russia”, stated SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka. Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution, Dimuthu Tennakoon said, “SriLankan Airlines is resuming flights to the Russian capital after a break of 6 years. Restarting flights would offer leisure travellers convenient connections and flexible travel options as they discover the ancient aesthetics of the Russian culture and the world-renowned Sri Lankan hospitality. In addition, students from Sri Lanka and Russia will greatly benefit from this frequency with many offers available for students travelling on SriLankan Airlines. As the National Carrier, we look forward to providing the best-in-class travel experience coupled with the highest safety standards for our travellers between the two countries.”

New Delhi, 07th July 2021: In a landmark event in Indian aviation, GIFT city based Vman Aviation signed first aircraft purchase order with Airbus Helicopetrs. The aggreemnt was signed at MoCA HeadQuarter located at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi. Vman Aviation is aircarft leasing company based out of GIFT city (Gujarat International Finance Tec) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of the Government of India. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) presided over the signing of the purchase agreement between Vishok Mansingh, CEO, Vman Aviation and Remi Maillard, President, Airbus India and Managing Director, South Asia Region,Airbus Helicopters SAS (Marignane, France). Also present were Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman AAI and Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, MoCA along with other senior officials were present during the signing agreement. Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, MoCA said, “The aircraft purchase signing is a landmark event in the Indian aviation history. This agreement is the result of the efforts put in for the last 4-5 years to create a viable leasing & financing ecosystem in the country. This is a new business segment coming to India and the Government of India shall continue to provide all possible help to promote leasing activities in India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.” Under the Atman Nirbhar Abhiyan, GIFT IFSC, with various incentives from the government of India and low set up costs, has become very attractive for lessors. They can leverage the fast growing civil and military aviation market in India and abroad. GIFT City has made its global mark by being named among the top three emerging business hubs in the world. Based near Ahmedabad, the GIFT city was ranked third in the list of the GFCI report, which has highlighted 15 centres that are likely to become more significant in the next few years.

25th June,2021; India Qatar Airways launched its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, featuring new Business Class Suite, on a number of key routes to Europe and Asia, starting with its Doha to Milan service on Friday 25 June 2021. The ultramodern aircraft is scheduled for services from Doha to Athens, Barcelona, Dammam, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid and Milan and has a total passenger capacity of 311 seats – 30 Business Class Suites and 281 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, said: “In-line with our commitment to offering our passengers an unparalleled travel experience, we are pleased to introduce this much-anticipated Business Class Suite on Qatar Airways’ newest wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 which will debut onto a number of key routes within our network. “The new Business Class Suite sets yet another industry standard with a uniquely private experience for premium passengers travelling with us, which is becoming increasingly valuable during this pandemic, while showcasing Qatar Airways’ 5-star standards of excellence and Qatari hospitality that are quintessential on all of our flights. “Our passengers deserve the best and I am confident that they will appreciate the larger Dreamliner variant for its unmatched comfort in the sky. Passengers can rest assured that its responsible impact on the environment fully aligns with our ambition to achieve the highest levels of sustainability.” Arranged in a herringbone pattern, in a 1-2-1 configuration, each suite has direct aisle access with a sliding door to ensure the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Passengers seated in adjoining centre suites can slide the privacy panels away at the touch of a button to create their very own enclosed private space. The Business Class Suite, transforms into a 79” fully-flat bed, offering elevated levels of comfort on board. Passengers can relax during their flight, knowing their personal mobile device is stored safely in a dedicated phone holder, equipped with a wireless charging technology that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

ABU DHABI, UAE –June 16, 2021: The world’s newest anti-viral treatment for COVID-19, Sotrovimab, is now available for early treatment of certain categories COVID-19 patients in the UAE following an agreement between the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, the country’s leading group purchasing organization (GPO) Rafed, and global innovative biopharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). With the arrival of the first shipment yesterday in Abu Dhabi airport, Abu Dhabi becamethe first location globally to receive this drug. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment delivered through intravenous therapy. Sotrovimab can be used to treat adults and children above the age of 12 who meet certain criteria and are at risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, as per protocols that have been developed by the National Scientific Committee. Studies have shown the medicine to prevent hospitalization and death in 85% of early selected treatment cases and can work on all known variations to date. Following USA Food and Drug Agency Emergency use authorization approval, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) issued its endorsement of the new GSK medicine following a national assessment. Abu Dhabi Department of Health & Rafed executed its agreement with the manufacturer to ensure deliveries as early as June and July, enabling patients in the UAE to be among the first in the world to access the new therapy. The National Scientific Committee in MoHAP & Abu Dhabi Department of Health have worked on the treatment protocols that will guide doctors in defining at risk patients and ensuring that they have access to Sotrovimab according to their risk profile and eligibility criteria. Abu Dhabi-based Rafed will facilitate the procurement, storage and distribution of Sotrovimab via the Rafed Distribution Center- the Region’s largest specialized cold-storage facility. The Centerhas played a vital role to support the efforts of the HOPE Consortium, and is a milestone collaboration by healthcare, logistics and supply chain entities designed to facilitate the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi’s medical and life science offering to combat the pandemic, nationally and internationally HE Dr. Jamal Mohamed Kaabi, Undersecretary for the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, said: “Abu Dhabi continues in its efforts to maintain its number one city position globally in terms of resilience and safety in COVID19 times. Through the non-ending support and guidance from our leadership, we continue in our daily preemptive efforts to search, assess and source through local and international collaboration, the best evidence-based treatment to our population in Abu Dhabi, UAE and beyond. This medicine is at the forefront of pharmaceutical advancement and is a powerful tool in our fight to end this pandemic. We look forward to implement the eligibility criteria for emergency use of Sotrovimab as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to lead an all-encompassing COVID -19 response in prevention, treatment and care.” Rashed Al Qubaisi, CEO of Rafed said: “Sotrovimab represents a massive breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19. Through our close collaboration and partnership with the Department of Health and GSK, we have been able to work swiftly in the procurement of the medication to ensure an effective and timely roll-out across the UAE. The Rafed Distribution Center continues to fulfil its mission of better serving the UAE public and extending Abu Dhabi’s Covid-19 response to the world.” As the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi finalizes a coherent framework to determine eligibility for Sotrovimab treatment, Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group and Hope Consortium, have transported the first batch of Sotrovimab into the UAE utilizing its IATA CEIV-certified PharmaLife product. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This achievement further elevates Abu Dhabi’s leading position in the fight against COVID-19, and firmly illustrates the combined capabilities of those entities at the forefront of the capital’s mission. As the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad has played a critical role facilitating the transportation of vaccines and medical supplies to and from the UAE with its specialist pharmaceutical logistics solution.” After receiving positive scientific opinion by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Human Medicinal Products – an important step for the use of the medication for early treatment of COVID-19 across Europe – GSK has submitted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application to the US Food and Drug Administration and the UAE Ministry of Health and Preventionand got approval from both. “We have been working very closely with the Department of Health and Rafed since the interim results of the clinical trials with Sotrovimab were available” said Gizem Akalin, Managing Director and Vice President, GSK Gulf. “The DOH and Rafed have been agile and passionate about accelerating patient access to promising new treatments to confront COVID-19”. “Our partnership with DOH and Rafed is holistic, securing early access to Sotrovimab so that the population in Abu Dhabi and UAE will be among the first in the world to get this new treatment”, Akalin said. “There is a great level of scientific and medical collaboration to ensure that medical teams are ready and equipped. As GSK, we see this close cooperation as another sign of Abu Dhabi’s rapid development as a hub for first class treatment, medicines research, logistics and manufacturing” The high efficiency and provision of General Administration of Customs has been a great support to all the efforts involved throughout the process of receiving the Sotrovimab medication at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, as they have ensured a smooth and rapid custom clearing for the medication to facilitate the release of the shipment from the airport customs port at the earliest, thereby enabling the medication to reach patients faster.